Holiday Home Safety Check

HOME SAFETY AUDIT

We all look forward to a well-deserved break during the holidays. One thing we want to do during this time is to relax. That means not worrying about your home1s safety. Leaving your property unattended can be daunting, even if you have a security company or CCTV surveillance. Having an electric fence or staying at home instead, doesn`t necessarily mean you won`t be targeted either. Housebreaking is the most common crime in SA, and the best defense is to be aware and prepared.

In this article, let’s take a look at some of the measures you can take to ensure your home stays safe this season.

Your home should be like a maze of secure spots around every corner, making it impossible for any intruder to get to the center. Only you know the true way to get in. This goes along with who you allow access into and onto your property, from the front gate to the front door. In this day and age, it`s almost impossible not to allow any outsiders in for deliveries or services, but it`s always a good idea to be privy to who is perusing your property.

Having said that, a good place to start is inside, and then to work your way out from there, building layer upon layer of security, making your property impenetrable.

• Test the functionality of every door and window. Ensure everything can close and lock properly. If not, perhaps it’s time for an upgrade on your doors & locks.

• There are 3 types of locks. Considering the correct one means looking at the spacing on your door between the edge and the borehole where the lock is fitted (the backset).
• Mortice locks: These locks are considered to be the top choice in security. They’re available in two sizes (For a backset of 44mm, use a 67mm lock. For a 57mm backset, pick an 80mm lock.) These locks usually feature a double-length deadbolt, with an internal system consisting of either a cylinder lock or a series of levers.
• Nightlatch: These locks are best suited for door brackets around 44mm. They mostly consist of a thumb turn attachment on the inner piece. This system has glaring vulnerabilities and is best suited for windows and glass doors that also have a mortice lock attached.
• Euro cylinder lock: This lock system is sometimes featured in mortice locks. They have gained a bad reputation as burglars found out a way to simply snap the lock. But manufacturers have since started producing ‘anti-snap" locks.

• Create a proper exit plan for your family. Whether this is an evacuation drill or an alternative way out of the property, it`s always a good idea to be prepared for the worst.
• Create an "exit checklist". Whenever you are about to leave the house alone for any period of time, it`s best to have a checklist of things to do before you exit the property. This includes ensuring all doors and windows are locked and all security systems are operational. You will have a slightly different checklist when leaving the house for extended periods of time, which will include things like alerting your neighbourhood watch, etc. Make sure everyone in the household is familiar with this checklist.

• Conduct a walkthrough. Assess all entry points – would someone be able to gain access to your property?

• Limit direct visibility to your home from the street. But keep shrubs and bushes at your front gate at a minimum to prevent any potential hiding spots for criminals.
• Consider installing motion sensor lights on any dark spots of your property.
• Install security gates to access points. Consider opting for slam-locks so that your home can be secure in seconds.

• Get to know your neighbours, so there’s always someone close by to keep an eye on your home while you’re away.
• Alert your neighbourhood watch. If your neighbourhood has a watch group, keep them up to speed, so your property has a set of eyes on it during your absence.
• Don’t advertise your treasures in your trash. Don’t leave large boxes or packaging for your new toys outside of the dustbin on the pavement. Fold it up and keep criminals guessing when it comes to your affluence.
• Install a timer switch or plug for your lights. This is a quick and easy way to give the outside appearance that someone is home.

Luckily, BUCO can help you play it safe this holiday season. Our knowledgeable in-store experts can assist you with advice on the best security solutions for your home, as well as the most effective strategies for your home and your budget. As if that’s not enough, our wide selection of home improvement products will provide you with more than enough options to up the safety of your home.

Visit your nearest branch today, and stay safe! Find your closest BUCO by clicking here.